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Armenian Church of Atlanta September 2007

Solemn Divine Liturgy In This Issue • Feast of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Holy Cross • Pontifical Visit to Matthew 24: 27-35 Ezekiel 9: 2-6 Charlotte, NC Corinthians 1: 18-24

• Armenian Church at Mid-East Peace Parley Sunday September 16, 2007 • Finding God’s purpose 11:00 am at Hye Doon • Anti-Defamation League Recognizes Celebrant Genocide • UGA’s Study Very Rev. Fr. Zaven Yazichya Abroad Program (from St. Thomas Seminary at St. (see attachment) Paul – Minnesota) • Community news

Picnic ACOA Buidling Fund-Raffle Tickets Sunday School The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Organ Article Aug. 12 Service For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing. But to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18) Survey of services

and activites Every autumn, the Armenian Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross -- one of the five Hye Doon major feasts of the Church, and the most important of the four feasts of the Holy Cross. The Improvement passage above -- written by St. Paul in his First Letter to the Corinthians --shows that even from Projects the time of the Apostles, the Holy Cross was recognized as the symbol of salvation for all ACYOA-Atlanta Christians. St. Nersess The Exaltation, known as Khachverats in Armenian, is connected with several historical events, Seminary each of which involves the "raising up" or glorification of the cross. An early tradition identifies St. Farewell James, the brother of the Lord -- one of Jesus' 12 Apostles and the first bishop of -- as Baptizm the first to exalt a cross. Taking in hand a likeness (or perhaps an actual piece) of the original cross of the Crucifixion, St. James elevated it before the people, and venerated it as a symbol of Sympathy Announcements "the power of God," praying: "We prostrate ourselves before your cross, O Christ." Those very words in Armenian -- Khachi ko, Krisdos, yergirbakanemk -- are still repeated in our church Upcoming Events services. CROSSword Puzzle September and October feature special commemorations of the holy cross. Understandably, the Contact feasts of the cross are important to Christians. The cross is the place where God, who became Information human to share in and ultimately redeem human suffering and death, was crucified and died.

9820 Coleman Road, Roswell, 30075 www.armenianchurchoratlanta.org

September 2007 Page 2 of 8

It is also the place where He vanquished death through His resurrection, thereby rendering the cross a powerful symbol of eternal life. The Armenian cross is symbolic of life in these ways:

• the crossbars intersect at a midpoint that signifies the four corners of the world meeting at life's center

• the "empty" Armenian cross (as opposed to the Catholic crucifix bearing the body of Jesus) emphasizes Jesus' victory over death

• the appearance of vines, the grapes and the wheat as decorative motifs in the Armenian cross symbolizes the life generated from the cross which was otherwise as an instrument of death.

Pontificial Visit to Charlotte, NC The Theme for the Pontifical Visit 2007 is A Pastoral Journey – Bringing Faith Home. This theme complements and builds upon the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) theme for 2007, Church and Home: One in Spirit.

A Pastoral Journey – Bringing Faith Home aptly speaks to the Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All . His Holiness has expressed, on many occasions both public and private, his joy and enthusiasm for his upcoming Pontifical Visit to the Eastern Diocese. His Holiness’ desire is to join his Armenian Christian sons and daughters in America in celebrating their faith in Jesus Christ, Our LORD.

His Holiness Karenkin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians will visit the Charlotte Armenian Church on October 12-13. Itineary is as follows:

Full Pontifical Visit Schedule New York City...... (October 3-5) Dallas ...... (October 18-19) Boston ...... (October 5-8) Houston ...... (October 20-21) Washington, D.C...... (October 9-11) Cleveland ...... (October 22-23) Charlotte ...... (October 11-13) Wisconsin & Chicago ...... (October 23-25) St. Petersburg ...... (October 13-14) Minneapolis/St. Paul ...... (October 25-26) South Florida ...... (October 15-16) New York City ...... (October 26-30) New Orleans ...... (October 17) New York City Pontifical Visit Banquet.(October 28) Baton Rouge ...... (October 17-18) Detroit ...... (October 31-November 1)

9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org

September 2007 Page 3 of 8

Diocesan Legate Represents Armenian Church At Mid-East Peace Parley

Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan legate and ecumenical In order to achieve peace, Jerusalem must not be officer, was one of the key religious leaders to take part in “For the viewed as belonging to man, but rather to God, he told Peace of Jerusalem,” a conference organized by Churches for those gathered for e service. Middle East Peace, which ran in Washington, D.C. from May 6 to 8, “For the sake of our future and our salvation, it must 2007. become the capital of all mankind and shared by all of The session opened Sunday, May 6, with a concert and worship service at National City Christian Church. Archbishop Aykazian, Abraham’s children. Jerusalem is too precious to be left who also serves as president-elect of the National Council of entirely to the whims of politics,” Archbishop Aykazian Churches, was one of the featured speakers that evening. said. “Jerusalem stands in time and space, as do we, but if Armenians have been a constant presence in Jerusalem since the this city is to reflect the purpose of its Maker, then it must be 5th century, residing mostly in a section of the of Jerusa- the city that He has defined -- a city that is compact and lem known as the Armenian Quarter still today. Though, in recent unified, a city of justice, a city of feasts, a city secure. God years the Armenian population of the Holy Land has dwindled. wants Jerusalem where He is, where He resides. He wants Archbishop Aykazian told those gathered that, like many Ar- Jerusalem outside of history and geography and possessed by menians, he has a personal connection to the Holy Land. It was none but Him.” there that he studied in the seminary and was ordained. In relating The following day, participants attended a series of panels and his personal connection to the Holy Land, he provided an Armenian workshops to prepare for meetings with members of Congress voice to the discussions of an area that is more than land and sea. and their staffs. On Tuesday, May 8, 50 participants from 26 “As Christians, our pilgrimage to Jerusalem is not only about a states then took to Capitol Hill to lobby for governmental sup- physical destination, but also about a spiritual journey. That journey port of proposals to bring peace to the Middle East. In their leads us to God, who is our refuge and fortress,” he said. meetings, conference participants sought U.S. support for a He noted that sadly violence has been too common in the region, two-state solution and a negotiated resolution for Jerusalem. not just during the present day conflict but for centuries. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of 22 “We should pray that peace based upon respect and trust becomes Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and bodies and a reality in the hearts of all the inhabitants of the Holy City and all of organizations. The organization began in 1984 and advocates Abraham’s children,” he said. “Unfortunately, time and for the avoidance and resolution of armed conflicts, human circumstances do not favor the peacemakers. Every day violence rights, arms control, foreign aid, and the unique nature of continues, pain and suffering grows. Violence must not be the Jerusalem - sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims. means by which all sides seek to settle their differences. It is only About 50 clergy and faithful attended “For the Peace of Je- by respecting and guaranteeing basic human rights and rusalem,” a conference organized by Churches for Middle East dignity that peace can be established and maintained.” Peace, which ran in Washington, D.C. from May 6 to 8, 2007.

By: Susan Derderian Finding God's Purpose

Today we often hear people speaking of one's purpose. Be it us through Proverbs 16:9 which tells us that "The mind of man finding one's purpose, fulfilling one's purpose, or financing one's plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." purpose. It is evident everywhere. And yet, have we taken the time to seek God, His purpose, His Word, His truth and not seek what We can rest in the knowledge that God does indeed have a great self-help books and TV talk shows believe and teach us? plan for each of our lives. He will direct our paths and lead us according to His desire. He simply asks us to seek Him, to pray to According to Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary, the word purpose Him, to desire Him and He will do the rest. He does not desire to means, "That which a person sets before himself as an object to be see any of His children stumble, but rather to live in His glorious reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is presence (Jude 24-25). directed in any plan, measure or exertion. We believe the Supreme Being created intelligent beings for some benevolent and glorious In order to live in His glorious presence we must come to faith in purpose, and if so, how glorious and benevolent must be His God's son, Jesus Christ. In 1 Timothy 2:3, Paul teaches that God ". purpose in the plan of redemption." From this definition we . . desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of understand that purpose is something set before a person that he / the truth." By believing in Jesus we will be saved and we will know she desires to attain and that God has a divine purpose for our the truth which will free us to live and to love in God's presence. individual redemption. Two separate, yet linked definitions. This does not mean that we will not suffer again or be tempted to sin. It does mean that when we accept Jesus we have access to Scripture clearly tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has plans for the Father and are back in relationship with Him, He provides a way each of our lives, plans for a hope and a future and not for calamity. out from our temptations, our soul is saved from eternal He continues in verses 12 & 13 to encourage us to call upon Him, devastation, and a joy unbeknown to us before will consume our to pray to Him, to seek Him with all of our heart and then, He will hearts and our lives. listen to us and we will find Him. If we seek God for direction, He will reveal His purpose for our individual lives. This is confirmed to

9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org

September 2007 Page 4 of 8

ADL now calls WW I-era massacre in a genocide

The Anti-Defamation League has reversed itself and decided to call a existed then, they would have called it genocide. World War I-era massacre in Armenia a genocide but it still does not support a Congressional resolution to call it one. I have consulted with my friend and mentor Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel and other respected historians who acknowledge Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today issued the following statement: this consensus. I hope that will understand that it is Turkey's friends who urge that nation to confront its past and In light of the heated controversy that has surrounded the work to reconcile with Armenians over this dark chapter in Turkish-Armenian issue in recent weeks, and because of our history. concern for the unity of the Jewish community at a time of increased threats against the Jewish people, ADL has decided Having said that, we continue to firmly believe that a to revisit the tragedy that befell the Armenians. Congressional resolution on such matters is a counterproductive diversion and will not foster We have never negated but have always described the painful reconciliation between Turks and Armenians and may put at risk the Turkish Jewish community and the events of 1915-1918 perpetrated by the against the Armenians as massacres and atrocities. On important multilateral relationship between Turkey, reflection, we have come to share the view of Henry and the United States. Morgenthau, Sr. that the consequences of those actions were For more information on ADL, visit www.adl.org/default.htm indeed tantamount to genocide. If the word genocide had UGA Study Abroad Program to Armenia

As we had mentioned in last month’s newsletter, a total of 8 students (4 from UGA and 4 from non-UGA) participated in the study abroad program to Armenia. Please see the attached write up by Nekisha Randall (one of the student’s that attended the program) on her reflections and the group’s experiences during the trip.

For information regarding Study Abroad in Armenia 2008 program please contact Vahe Heboyan directly (706-542-0856; [email protected]) and/or check the program website for

updates.

Community News

Please note the Picnic date has changed from September 23 to September 30!

9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org

September 2007 Page 5 of 8

Raffle Ticket Sale

Sunday School Program The Women’s Guild is proud to announce that a Sunday School Program has been established for the children of our parish. Classes are held on Badarak Sunday mornings with classes starting at 11 a.m. until the end of Badarak.

Class 1: Up to 5 years of age Class 2: 6 Years and up

The classes will cover teaching Hayr Mer in Armenian, Needed Items: teaching Armenian Alphabet and basic Armenian Books conversation as well as play time for youngsters. School Supplies st 1 Sunday School was held on Toys August 12 The teachers are: Lara Stuart & Maria Terzian for 6 years and up & Major and Violet Mirzoyan for 5 years and TV/DVD Player younger. Fans Furniture (new or used) We look forward to your children’s participation and addition to the growth of our Sunday School Program. Your children Teacher’s Aid will follow in the footsteps you set.

The Organ Article

The Organ finds new temporary home at Hye Doon. The PC Board would like to thank Mr. Aram Partizian for hosting his home and giving personal care to the organ that was donated to the Armenian Church of Atlanta some thirteen years ago.

Mr. Levon Messerlian and Mr. Simon Diboyan had originally delivered the organ to Aram for storage at his home back in 1994. On August 11th, the organ was finally moved to its new location with the help of Mr. Mark Guleserian, Gregory Avedissian and his sons; Christopher and Alexander. We would like to thank all the participants for its safe keeping and delivery to the new resting place at Hye Doon. Please remember this every time you see the organ … that it needs to have its own home; the very first Armenian Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Please donate generously to our children’s future…

9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org

September 2007 Page 6 of 8

August 12 Service Announcements Services/activities to be • Donations of flowers for the Feast of the Assumption of organized by WG at Hye Doon the Holy Mother of God were given by Maria & Vachik Terzian. • Donations of Grapes for the Feast of the Assumption of Your OPINION is needed....Women’s Guild is conducting the Holy Mother of God and the Blessing of Grapes were a survey to find out what services and activities our been given Ara and Joyce Keyfer. parishioners would like to see offered at Hye Doon. A list • Donations of lunch and desert for the Feast of the of suggested services and activities is shown below. Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was given by the Please provide any of the PC members with your families of our mission parish. feedback.

1. Rent out Community Center for Events 2. Sunday School/Armenian Lessons for Children & Youth during Sunday Service 3. Bible Study for Adults on Wednesday nights (once per month) 4. Dance/Cooking Classes 5. Tango lessons 6. Kef Night 7. Kebob Night Men’s Club 8. Knights of Vartan/ Daughters of Vartan 9. Cultural Events (e.g. movie night, lectures on special topics, concert, history of Armenian rugs, comedy/karaoke night) 10. Meet with professional (e.g. Tax advisors, financial planners, Resume services etc.)

Hye Doon Improvement Amenian Church Youth

Projects-VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Organization of America We NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS to help in finishing the The ACYOA Atlanta Chapter has been established…. paint job as well as various other projects that need to be Please contact ACYOA Liason, Violet Mirzoyan, to sign completed: up for fun activities and gatherings with other young adults in the Armenian community. Violet can be reached via • Staining the trim and shoe molding wherever email [email protected] or Tel # 678 860 5623. needed • Cleaning the windows The ACYOA is a Christ-centered organization whose goal • Pulling out weeds etc. is to create among young adults a greater sense of spiritual culture and tradition, and to instill within its Please show up on Saturday, September 8, 2007 to help members, a true spirit of civic mindedness. with these projects. For more details on ACYOA, please visit If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mari http://www.acyoa.org. Avedissian at [email protected] or call her at 770.235.8220. Your time and skills will be greatly appreciated.

9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org

September 2007 Page 7 of 8

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary Farewell to our Acolytes

St Nersess Seminary offers Deacons' Training and Liturgical Music The two senior acolytes, Alex Avedissian and Baret Kilbacak, Program for young men and women who would like to participate have come a long way from the time they started as Altar Servers more actively and meaningfully in the worship of the Armenian over 9 years ago. They were both ordained by Serpazan Khajag as Church. Practical workshops and interactive classes teach the altar servers in 2000 and later they started with their training as participants the deacons' parts of the liturgy and take the mystery out acolytes from the very beginning at our in-house program with Hayr of the rituals, the mu sic, the symbols, and the chants. Students who Simeon and Deacon Francis. complete the program return to their home churches with polished liturgical skills, a more satisfying sens e of participation in the church's Alex attended St. Nersess Seminary three years in a row and became worship, and many new friends. our Lead Acolyte following Chris Avedissian’s departure to college in 2005. The Armenian Church of Atlanta is very proud to call them “our One of our own, Vahagn Mirzoyan, participated in this training own sons” and pray they continue to grow with the Armenian Church program from June 25 to July 3, 2007. Below is a brief summary of wherever they go. Vahagn’s experience: We would also like to thank Hayr Daniel Findikyan , the Dean at St. “This was my first time visiting St. Nersess. I originally thought Nersess Seminary, for his great youth study summer programs and this was not going to be fun especially since I did not know support. Alex and Baret, we thank you both for the greatest gift anyone. But the minute I walked in everyone welcomed me with anyone can give back to their community; the gift of sharing and open arms. I felt like I'm home and it was like I knew them for enriching other people’s lives through the “Badarak” Devine Liturgy long time. I really had a great time, met many young Armenians services. We pray God always be with you wherever you are. and learned a lot about what prie sts do and what we do to help them during the Badarak as an acolytes. I encourage all kids my age to go to St. Nersess because you will have a great time but more importantly, you will learn things that you will need in life and to become a better alter server for your perish. It is a great opportunity for young people our age to learn about your culture and history.”

All participants will benefit from daily study of the Bible and Liturgy, morning and evening worship, instruction and recreational and social activities, which make the Deacons' Training Program rewarding and fun. The program is open to men and women at least 15 years old. No previous experience is necessary.

VRev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan , Dean of St. Nersess Seminary, is the director of the Deacon's Training and Liturgical Music. For more information, please visit http://www.stnersess.edu/index.php

Sympathy Announcements Baptism It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mrs. Hrachik (Tigranouhi) in late July. She was a dedicated member of the Choir for several years until Ani Elizabeth Dunkerly, she took ill few years ago. We extend our heart felt daughter of Kira and sympathy and prayer to the entire Tashchian family. Alan Dunkerly was Special prayer was dedicated to the soul of Mrs. Tashchian by Vr. Rev. Fr. Torkom Tonikyan on Aug 12. baptized on August 4, Godparents were Judy Giordano and Carl Special prayer was requested by Serina Vartanian on Aug. 12 for Bazarian Jr. Mrs. Shahvarian’s deteriorating physical condition. We hope and pray for the recovery of Mrs. Shahvarian who resides in Tehran, . May God bless Ani and her family. Upcoming Events Picnic- September 30 Divine Liturgy-October 14 Divine Liturgy-November 18 Divine Liturgy-December 9

9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org

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CROSSword Puzzle Try this crossword puzzle with your children and test your knowledge on Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Answers to the Crossword Puzzle Contacts Name Title Tel # Email Greg Avedissian Chairman 404 697 5756 [email protected]

Murat Corluyan Vice Chairman 770 833 1112 [email protected]

Lena Murad Treasurer 770 856 3316 [email protected]

Talin Major Secretary 770 235 7939 [email protected]

Ara Keyfer Bld & Grounds Committee Chair 678 787 5715 [email protected]

Yegiya Aba Bld & Grounds Committee Vice-Chair 404 693 4149 [email protected]

Talar Torossian Women’s Guild Liasion & Chair 678 595 7823 [email protected]

Ani Tashjian Altar Guild Committee Chair 678 836 7834 [email protected]

Violet Mirzoyan ACYOA Liaison 678 860 5623 [email protected]

Murat Corluyan Fund Raising Committee Chair 770 833 1112 [email protected]

9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org